Indulge Guilt-Free: The Ultimate Fudgy Avocado SunButter Swirl Brownies (Vegan & Gluten-Free)
Welcome, fellow dessert enthusiasts! I hope your week is off to a delightful start. Mine certainly was, especially after a weekend that perfectly blended everyday joys with a dash of culinary creativity. Imagine a relaxing Saturday filled with a delicious brunch spread, a wonderfully productive trip to Target (because who doesn’t love Target?), and some satisfying fall cleaning around the house. It’s that classic mix of fun and productivity that sets the tone for the week ahead.
But the true highlight, the moment that truly sweetened my weekend, was creating these incredible Avocado SunButter Swirl Brownies. These aren’t just any brownies; they’re a testament to how wholesome ingredients can transform a classic treat into a guilt-free indulgence. Crafted with only eight simple ingredients, these vegan and gluten-free brownies are a powerhouse of healthy fats, plant-based protein, and an intensely fudgy chocolate flavor that will leave you craving more.
When it comes to brownies, there’s always the great debate: are you a team chewy or team fudgy? I remember my high school boyfriend, a true “crispy edge” connoisseur, who would systematically devour the perimeter of any brownie sheet pan his mom baked. By the time I arrived, only the soft, gooey center remained. And you know what? That was perfectly fine by me. Because I’ve always been a devotee of that glorious, ooey-gooey, intensely chocolatey, almost-half-baked center slice. That magical part that melts in your mouth and defines brownie perfection. Well, prepare yourselves, because these Avocado SunButter Swirl Brownies deliver that exact experience, not just in the center, but throughout the *entire* pan. Every single bite is a celebration of rich, fudgy chocolate goodness, making them the ultimate healthy fudgy brownies you’ve been searching for!
Essential Ingredients for Your Avocado SunButter Swirl Brownies
Creating these delightful Avocado SunButter Swirl Brownies is simpler than you might think, thanks to a straightforward list of nutrient-dense, whole-food ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect fudgy texture and rich flavor profile, all while keeping them vegan, gluten-free, and refined sugar-free. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:
- **Flaxseed:** When combined with filtered water, flaxseed creates a “flax egg,” an essential plant-based binder that perfectly replaces traditional eggs, ensuring these brownies are entirely vegan while adding omega-3 fatty acids.
- **Avocados:** The star ingredient! Ripe avocados are the secret to the brownies’ extraordinary fudgy texture and intense creaminess. They also provide a generous amount of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, completely eliminating the need for any added oils in this recipe. Approximately 1.5 cups of smashed avocado will be perfect.
- **SunButter**: This incredible sunflower seed butter is not only a fantastic nut-free alternative, but it also lends a unique, slightly savory richness to the brownies. We’ll use some in the batter and reserve extra for that signature, beautiful swirl on top, enhancing both flavor and visual appeal.
- **Maple Syrup:** Our choice for a natural sweetener, pure maple syrup ensures these brownies are free from refined sugars. It contributes a lovely depth of flavor that complements the chocolate beautifully.
- **Oat Flour:** A wonderful gluten-free flour that provides a tender crumb and helps achieve that desired fudgy consistency. It’s a key structural component in these plant-based brownies.
- **Almond Flour:** Working in harmony with the oat flour, almond flour adds richness, moisture, and a subtle nutty flavor (without actual nuts, thanks to SunButter!). This gluten-free duo creates a robust yet delicate texture.
- **Cacao Powder:** For that deep, decadent chocolate flavor, raw cacao powder is essential. It’s packed with antioxidants and delivers a more intense chocolate punch than regular cocoa powder, making these healthy chocolate brownies truly satisfying.
- **Baking Powder:** A small but mighty leavening agent that helps the brownies rise slightly and ensures a wonderfully tender, moist result.
That’s it! With these eight fantastic ingredients, you’re ready to bake a batch of the most delicious and wholesome Avocado SunButter Swirl Brownies.
The Magic of Baking with Avocado for Fudgy Brownies
If the idea of baking with avocados sounds unconventional, prepare to be amazed! Many people are surprised by the incredible versatility of this superfood in sweet treats. Perhaps you’ve already discovered its magic if you tried my Almond Butter Avocado Chocolate Chip Cookies last year—a recipe I can’t stop raving about. Ever since perfecting those cookies, I’ve been planning this grand avocado brownie experiment, and I’m thrilled to say, it’s finally here, and it’s a resounding success!
Avocados are truly ideal for baking, especially in brownies, for several compelling reasons. First and foremost, they impart an intense creaminess and a luscious, fudgy texture that is simply unmatched. This creamy quality comes from their abundance of whole-food, healthy monounsaturated fats, which means we can achieve a rich, moist brownie without a drop of added oil. This makes these avocado brownies a fantastic choice for anyone seeking healthier dessert options, or simply looking to reduce processed fats in their diet.
Beyond texture, avocados seamlessly blend into the batter, literally melting into the mixture like magic. The key is proper preparation: ensure your avocados are ripe and soft, then smash them thoroughly with a fork. This method usually yields a perfectly smooth batter with no detectable avocado texture. However, if you’re particularly sensitive to texture or want an extra silky-smooth result, I recommend pureeing the ripe avocados in a food processor or blender until completely smooth before incorporating them into the brownie mixture. This extra step guarantees that beautiful, uniform fudginess throughout your Avocado SunButter Swirl Brownies, ensuring no one will ever guess the secret ingredient!
The Irresistible SunButter Swirl: Flavor and Flair
While we’re celebrating the abundance of healthy fats in these brownies, we absolutely must talk about that captivating SunButter swirl. It’s not just for looks; it adds an incredible depth of flavor and another layer of creamy texture that elevates these treats from great to truly exceptional. The unique combination of wholesome sunflower seed butter, rich raw chocolate, and creamy avocado creates a flavor symphony that is simply divine in a healthy dessert!
SunButter, made from roasted sunflower seeds, offers a distinct taste that is subtly nutty yet entirely allergen-friendly for those avoiding tree nuts or peanuts. Its slightly savory undertones beautifully balance the sweetness of the maple syrup and the bitterness of the cacao, creating a complex and incredibly satisfying chocolate experience. The inherent creaminess of SunButter also contributes to the overall fudgy consistency of these Avocado SunButter Swirl Brownies.
In this recipe, we incorporate 2 tablespoons of SunButter directly into the brownie batter, enriching the chocolate base. But the real showstopper is the generous dollops of additional SunButter swirled artfully on top before baking. This “abstract expressionism style” swirl not only creates a visually stunning dessert but also ensures that every bite offers a delightful ribbon of creamy SunButter alongside the intense chocolate. And here’s a pro tip: if you’re a true SunButter lover, feel free to add even more post-baking! A little extra drizzle on your warm brownie square is never a bad idea. After all, when it comes to healthy fats and delicious flavor, there’s no such thing as too much SunButter!
Serving Suggestions and Storage for Your Wholesome Brownies
These Avocado SunButter Swirl Brownies are designed to be a perfect anytime healthier dessert, versatile enough for any occasion. Their rich, fudgy texture and decadent chocolate flavor make them feel like an indulgent treat, yet they’re packed with nourishing, whole-food ingredients. The natural sweetness comes solely from pure maple syrup, ensuring a balanced flavor without the need for refined sugars.
To achieve that signature fudgy center and robust structure, this recipe strategically uses a 2:1 mixture of oat flour and almond flour. This combination is specifically chosen for its ability to create a tender yet substantial brownie that holds its shape beautifully. For those who prefer a grain-free alternative, I experimented with an all-almond flour version. While still undeniably delicious, it resulted in a slightly less sturdy, denser brownie. If you opt for the grain-free route, be aware the texture will be a bit different, but the flavor remains fantastic.
Serving Ideas:
- **Warm & Simple:** Enjoy them slightly warm, perhaps with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to enhance the chocolate notes.
- **A La Mode:** Pair a warm brownie square with a scoop of your favorite vegan vanilla ice cream for an extra-decadent experience.
- **Coffee Break Companion:** These brownies are the perfect accompaniment to a morning coffee or an afternoon tea.
- **Share the Love:** These delightful treats are perfect for sharing with everyone you cherish – family, kids, friends, partners, or simply as a well-deserved treat for yourself!
Storage Tips:
- **Refrigeration:** Store any leftover Avocado SunButter Swirl Brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. The chilling process can even enhance their fudginess!
- **Freezing for Longer Term:** For longer storage, wrap individual brownie squares tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature or gently warm in the microwave.
Enjoy every single fudgy, chocolatey, healthy bite!
More Wholesome Vegan Brownie Recipes to Explore
If you’ve fallen in love with the rich, fudgy texture and wholesome ingredients of these Avocado SunButter Swirl Brownies, you’re in for a treat! The world of vegan brownies is incredibly diverse and delicious, offering endless possibilities for satisfying your chocolate cravings in a healthier way. From classic twists to innovative flavor combinations, there’s a plant-based brownie for every palate. Expand your baking repertoire with these other fantastic vegan brownie recipes:
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Vegan Cosmic Brownies
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Sweet Potato SunButter Brownies
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SunButter & Jelly Brownies
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Pumpkin Almond Butter Brownies
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Blueberry Mousse Brownies
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No-Sugar-Added Black Bean Brownies
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Cashew Butter Buckeye Brownies
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Super Fudgy Vegan Brownies
-
Matcha Dusted Raw Brownies
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1-Bowl Butternut Brownies
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Black Sesame Butter Brownies
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1-Bowl Butternut Brownies
-
Flourless Vegan Brownies
I Want to Hear From You: Share Your Creations!
I absolutely love seeing your culinary adventures! If you try this fantastic Avocado SunButter Swirl Brownies recipe, please let me know how it turned out. Your feedback is invaluable and helps me continue creating more delicious and wholesome recipes for you to enjoy. Be sure to leave a comment, rating, and review below – I read every single one!
Don’t forget to give me a shout on Instagram and use the hashtag #floraandvino to showcase your beautiful brownie creations. It’s always a joy to see your photos and connect with our community of healthy eaters and bakers.
For more plant-based recipe inspiration and ideas, check out my Pinterest page. You’ll find countless recipes just like these healthy fudgy brownies to pin and make later. And if you’ve loved this post and want to stay updated with all the latest wholesome recipes, head over to my homepage and subscribe to get new updates delivered directly to your inbox!
XO Lauren
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Avocado SunButter Swirl Brownies
5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star
4 from 1 review
Author: Flora & Vino
Total Time: 50 mins
Yield: 9-12 servings
Diet: Vegan
Description
These ultra-fudgy Avocado SunButter Swirl Brownies are a delicious and wholesome vegan dessert. Made with ripe avocados for incredible creaminess and healthy fats, and swirled with rich SunButter for a unique flavor, these brownies are naturally sweetened, gluten-free, and oil-free. Perfect for a clean chocolate-y treat that’s packed with nutrients and irresistible flavor!
Ingredients
- 2 TBSP flaxseed + 5 TBSP filtered water (to make a flax egg)
- 2 ripe avocados, mashed (~1.5 cups), for ultimate fudginess and healthy fats
- 1/4 cup SunButter for the batter + 1/4 cup for swirling, adding rich, nutty flavor (nut-free)
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup, a natural sweetener for refined sugar-free brownies
- 1/2 cup oat flour, for a tender, gluten-free base
- 1/4 cup almond flour, complementing the oat flour for perfect texture
- 1/3 cup raw cacao powder, for deep, antioxidant-rich chocolate flavor
- 1 tsp baking powder, to ensure a light and tender crumb
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 9 x 5 or 8 x 8 inch baking pan. Line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to easily lift the brownies out later.
- In a large mixing bowl, prepare your flax egg. Whisk together the flaxseed and filtered water with a fork. Let this mixture sit for 5 minutes until it thickens and forms a gel-like consistency – this is your vegan binder!
- Add the thoroughly smashed ripe avocado, pure maple syrup, and the initial 1/4 cup of SunButter to the same bowl with the flax egg. Mix well with a whisk or spatula until all ingredients are smoothly combined. Ensure the avocado is fully incorporated for a uniform texture.
- Now, add the dry ingredients: oat flour, almond flour, raw cacao powder, and baking powder. Mix again until everything is just well-combined and no dry streaks remain. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
- Pour the rich brownie mixture into your prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula to create a smooth, consistent layer.
- Take the remaining 1/4 cup of SunButter and drop several dollops randomly across the top of the brownie batter in the pan. Use a knife or a toothpick to gently swirl the SunButter into the chocolate batter, creating beautiful, artistic patterns. If the batter seems clumpy, gently shake the pan to redistribute it.
- Carefully transfer the baking pan to the preheated oven. Bake the Avocado SunButter Swirl Brownies for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with moist crumbs (not wet batter). Remember, these are meant to be fudgy, so don’t overbake!
- Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and allow the brownies to cool completely for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour on a wire rack before cutting and serving. The brownies will appear slightly undercooked at first, but they will firm up wonderfully as they cool, achieving that perfect fudgy consistency.
- Serve your delicious Avocado SunButter Swirl Brownies slightly warm for the best experience! Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer-term storage, they can be frozen for up to three months.
Notes
Recipe adapted from Tone It Up
For an even more intense chocolate flavor, consider adding a handful of vegan chocolate chips to the batter before baking.
Ensure your avocados are very ripe for the best creamy texture. If they are too firm, the brownies might not be as smooth.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Oven-Bake
- Cuisine: Vegan, Oil-Free, Gluten-Free, Refined Sugar-Free
This post is brought to you by SunButter, a valued partner whose products align perfectly with my passion for healthy, delicious, and inclusive recipes. All opinions, words, and culinary creations are, as always, my own. Thank you for supporting the brands and sponsors that help me continue sharing my love for wholesome food with you!